“This instrument , built in 2004, is one of the first 6 string violins I have made. I have always taken inspiration from early and pre baroque bowed instruments, many of which have 6, 7 or even 9 strings. This arrangement ,with 6 strings (tuned hi E to low F) on a Cremonese violin form, was an attempt to produce an instrument with an extended range that was familiar in feel and comfortable to play for a violinist. Other than the neck, bass bar location and F hole style and placement , this instrument ‘s corpus is the same as a conventional violin. The bridge was based on my standard violin bridge pickup , redesigned for 6 strings. The fingerboard features a spruce core with an ebony veneer to keep the weight down to an optimal level. The instrument also features geared tuning pins by Chuck Herin . These lightweight tuners provide stable tuning and eliminate the need for fine tuners at the tailpiece , keeping that component free from excessive weight and more free to add to the instruments response. The carved “Beast” peghead is reminiscent of the freedom of style seen in many early bowed instruments. While 6 string violin is not for everyone, in the hands of a creative musician, it offers far more range of expression and tone color while retaining the powerful singing voice of a fine violin. My work continues to progress with each instrument. My greatest pleasure is to hear them in use by the many fine musicians who are making such beautiful and expressive music with them.”